Wednesday, May 09, 2012

Throwback Movie Reviews

I enjoy watching and reviewing movies. Not only recently released films but sometimes I like to travel back in time and find a movie to watch which I may have missed out on. I've decided to do reviews on movies that were released in 2011 and beyond. But now and then I'll throw in a couple of short reviews on movies that were released years ago. Here are a few:

Nanny McPhee Returns (2010)

Starring Emma Thompson, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Maggie Smith.If you're a Nanny McPhee fan and under 12 years old, you will find this sequel okay. At one point the plot was deviating from the Nanny McPhee story but later reverted. The part of this film I found weird was bomb defusing scene. Like seriously? Not better than its predecessor but still a somewhat decent film which will appeal more to children.Rating: 6/10

Closer (2004)

Starring Julia Roberts, Natalie Portman, Jude Law and Clive Owen.This movie involves only four people in a very complex love triangle or should I say, love square. A lot of emotions, great acting and a twist at the end. The movie basically highlights everyday relationship issues and I know a lot of people will relate. It takes place over a course of four years but if you're not being attentive, you wouldn't even realize. Closer is a good watch although the twist at the end didn't make much of a difference to me.Rating: 8/10

The Kids Are All Right (2010)

Starring Julianne Moore, Mark Ruffalo and Annete Bening.A lesbian couple's relationship gets tested when they allow their children to meet their real father. For an Oscar nominee, I was pretty disappointed in this movie. It was BORING from start to finish. And just when you thought it was getting better, it plunges back into boredom. The performances were good but they should have tried adding a little comedy. The movie felt dull. Rating: 5.5/10

Shakespeare in Love (1998)

Starring Joseph Fiennes, Gwyneth Paltrow and Geoffrey Rush.

A 'Romeo and Juliet' story within a 'Romeo and Juliet' story. I adore this movie. Creative, fun and great acting especially from Judi Dench and Geoffrey Rush. Awesome portrayal of William Shakespeare's rise in the theater and also a semi biography. And a rather perfect ending if you ask me. Oscar well deserved.

Rating: 10/10

Casino (1995)

Starring Robert DeNiro, Sharon Stone and Joe Pesci.

It's amazing when one can make a film involving crime, gangsters and romance and make it work together. And that was the case in 'Casino'. The movie flowed brilliantly; the gangster and romance scenes were proportional and the acting well done. This movie will keep you entertained from start to finish.

Rating: 9.5/10

Crash (2005)

Starring Don Cheadle, Sandra Bullock and Matt Dillon.

An interesting film with a star studded cast. Not bad. The issues of race and gender are brought to life. Engaging and unpredictable and wreaked with emotion. It's impressive that this movie had so many different stories and were all in someway connected. But in the end, I felt that they were still some loose ends.

Rating: 8/10

Monster (2003)

Starring Charlize Theron and Christina Ricci.

Two words - Charlize Theron. Performance of the decade. Even if you don't like the story, you must appreciate this great performance. Theron stars as a prostitute turned serial killer, as a result of disgust and her new found love. Powerful performance and a decent story.

Rating: 8/10

The Road (2009)

Starring Viggo Mortensen, Kodi Smit-Mcphee and Guy Pearce.

A post-apocalyptic movie featuring a man and his son as they journey down the road and fight to stay alive in a world now filled with cannibalism. Extremely bleak, decently acted and grim film which will keep you engaged. A bit predictable but still a decent watch.

Rating: 7/10

Juno (2006)

Starring Ellen Page, Michael Cena and Jason Bateman.

Juno is an interesting character. Fun, witty and straight-forward. She was definitely the flame in this dull movie. Decent start but floated into boredom afterwards. For an Oscar nominee and a good performance by the lead role, the movie Juno is overrated.